On Thursday, February 8, 2024, Universitas Terbuka (UT) experienced the loss of one of its finest, Muhammad Husni Arifin, S.Ag., M.Si., Ph.D., the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Social Sciences, and Political Sciences (FHISIP) at UT. At the relatively young age of 47, Mr. Husni passed away, leaving behind a legacy of valuable contributions, especially within FHISIP, Universitas Terbuka, the community, and the Distance Learning Professional Education Association (Asosiasi Profesi Pendidikan Jarak Jauh – APPJJI), where the late dean served as the Chairman before his passing.
Known for his friendly and kind-hearted nature, Mr. Husni’s demise deeply affected those around him, as expressed by numerous colleagues and acquaintances.
“Innalillahi wainnailaihi rojiun. UT family is deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved friend, one of UT’s best cadres, Muhammad Husni Arifin, Dean of FHISIP. May all his good deeds be accepted, his mistakes forgiven, and may he receive the best in the eyes of Allah SWT. May the bereaved family be granted strength and fortitude. Aamiin,” expressed UT Rector Prof. Ojat Darojat, M. Bus., Ph.D. shortly after the news of Mr. Husni’s demise in a WhatsApp group within the UT staff community.
During tahlilan session held via Zoom, Prof. Ojat shared his testimony, portraying the late dean as an exemplary individual—someone resilient, trustworthy, and dedicated to fulfilling his responsibilities. He also remembered his dedication, especially in the Legal Study Program, was really crucial. Prof. Ojat prayed that Mr. Husni’s service and dedication to UT be recorded as acts of goodness by Allah SWT. He urged everyone to carry forward the late dean’s exemplary conduct.
Expressions of deepest condolences were conveyed by almost all UT staff who had known Mr. Husni. The atmosphere was filled with sorrow at the funeral home in the Kedaung Hijau Ciputat area, where the body was temporarily laid to rest before being taken to Jombang for burial in his hometown. Nearly everyone presented at the funeral home testified to Mr. Husni’s kindness and warm smile.
In the evening, an online tahlilan was held via Zoom, attended by hundreds of UT staff from all over Indonesia on the night of February 8, 2024. Prof. Dr. Ali Muktiyanto, M.Si., Vice Rector for Finance and General Affairs, and Rahmat Budiman, Ph.D., Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Cooperation, and Business, shared their memories of the late dean after the event. Both expressed their sadness, highlighting Mr. Husni’s exemplary character and unwavering dedication.
“As a friend and college roommate during our studies at UI, I testify that Mr. Husni was a very kind person, never blaming or getting angry with others. He was a friendly figure, always smiling. His sudden departure has truly left me speechless,” shared a close friend of the late dean named Mr. Gun Gun during the tahlilan session.
Prof. Ali concluded the first night online tahlilan via Zoom by offering the best prayers for the late dean and for the family he left behind, especially his wife and children, wishing them strength and endurance. May Mr. Husni’s complete commitment, dedication, integrity, and service be considered an act of worship and be rewarded with paradise in the afterlife. Aamiin.
